Sunderland midfielder Seb Larsson to decide future after Euro 2016

By Chris Young

Seb Larsson will wait until the conclusion of the European Championships to resolve his Sunderland future, although Leeds United have made NO contact for the midfielder, writes Chris Young.

Larsson endured a hugely frustrating season at the Stadium of Light last year after injuries and selection decisions limited him to just five Premier League starts.

The Swedish international’s agent admitted in April that Larsson would have almost certainly left Sunderland if they had been relegated and even though the Black Cats remain in the top flight, he only has 12 months remaining on his contract.

It is understood that at this stage, Larsson is taking a relaxed approach over his club situation and has put it on the back-burner, with Sweden facing a final chance to qualify for the knock-out stages of Euro 2016 against Belgium tomorrow.

But the 31-year-old will look at his situation after the tournament, particularly with only a year left on his deal.

However, despite speculation that Leeds are interested in Larsson, there has been no communication from the Championship side with the ex-Arsenal man’s camp.

There are doubts over Larsson’s situation though and with fellow Swede Ola Toivonen leaving Sunderland after the end of his loan spell, Sam Allardyce is eager to boost his options in the middle of the park.

Sunderland watched out-of-contract Bordeaux midfielder Clement Chantome on several occasions during the second half of last season and the 28-year-old is in advanced discussions with two Premier League clubs, one of which is highly likely to be the Black Cats.

Allardyce is also eager to bring last season’s loanee Yann M’Vila back to Wearside, with the French international missing the opening day of pre-season training at parent club Rubin Kazan yesterday.

The entire Kazan squad - including those who had spent last season out on loan - were due to assemble for new boss Javi Gracia to run the rule over them.

But M’Vila didn’t report for duty, with visa issues holding up his return to Russia.

Reports in Russia have indicated that Kazan are hopeful that M’Vila will be back by tomorrow, yet the delay will raise further question marks over the Frenchman’s future.

Kazan accept M’Vila will move on with only six months remaining on his contract, but he will either have to reach a settlement with them to tear up his deal, or Sunderland will need to make an acceptable offer.